Christendom College begins 40th year with Mass of the Holy Spirit

Students, faculty and staff start the school year at the Mass of the Holy Spirit at Christendom College in Front Royal Aug. 20. ELIZABETH ELLIOTT | CATHOLIC HERALD

Christendom College President Tim O’Donnell leads the faculty in taking the Oath of Fidelity at the Mass of the Holy Spirit in Front Royal Aug. 20. Students, faculty and staff (at right) start the school year in prayer. ELIZABETH ELLIOTT | CATHOLIC HERALD

Faculty members take the Oath of Fidelity to the magisterium of the Catholic Church at the Mass of the Holy Spirit at Christendom College in Front Royal Aug. 20. ELIZABETH ELLIOTT | CATHOLIC HERALD

Christendom College in Front Royal began the school year with the
annual Mass of the Holy Spirit celebrated by Arlington Bishop Michael F.
Burbidge and concelebrated by Father Marcus A. Pollard, chaplain, Aug. 20.

In his homily, Bishop Burbidge challenged the students to be true
disciples of Jesus Christ in a world that sees such a witness of faith as
countercultural.

“To have Bishop Burbidge, our new bishop, invoking the Holy Spirit at this time of new beginning, and having the new women’s dormitory, is a source of tremendous joy." Timothy O'Donnell

During the Mass, 39 faculty members took the Oath of Fidelity to
the magisterium of the Catholic Church. “It is a way for them to uphold the magisterium
and teachings of the church,” said Zach Smith, public relations specialist at
Christendom. “It shows the entire community where the focus is during the academic
year.”

Senior Joe Wilson said he chose Christendom because it gave him a
chance to grow in his Catholic faith and his academic life.

“This Mass is really important because it shows our entire
faculty and staff’s commitment to that Catholic faith, to helping us grow
through our academics and as Catholics,” he said.

After Mass, the congregation and clergy processed from the chapel
to Christendom’s newest dormitory, St. Clare Hall for women, where Bishop
Burbidge blessed the building.

This year marks Christendom’s 40th anniversary. An academic
convocation Sept. 9 will launch the celebration. Also this year, President Tim
O’Donnell marks his 25th year at the helm. Plans are underway to celebrate his
anniversary.

“To have Bishop Burbidge, our new bishop, invoking the Holy
Spirit at this time of new beginning, and having the new women’s dormitory, is
a source of tremendous joy,” said O’Donnell. “Our hearts are full of
gratitude.”